Method for controlling the determination of a speed of a bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for influencing the determination of the speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec, comprising the steps of: - providing a temporally and / or spatially varying electric and / or magnetic field by means of a field-generating device on the bicycle for determining the speed of the bicycle, and - influencing the electric and / or magnetic field, which is detected by a detection device at at least one detection position on the bicycle, by means of an influencing device such that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined. A permanent magnet can be attached to the wheel, the magnetic field of which is detected and evaluated by a detector.To temporarily display a different speed reading, a frame-mounted influencing device can have one or more coils that generate additional magnetic fields. These fields either suppress, supplement, or replace the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. By generating these additional magnetic fields, the influencing device can cause the evaluation circuit to determine a speed that differs from the actual speed, which is determined when only the field of the permanent magnet mounted on the wheel is measured.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0002] The invention further relates to a system for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0003] The invention further relates to a bicycle with an influencing device. State of the art

[0004] Although generally applicable to any bicycles, the present invention is described with reference to bicycles in the form of pedelecs.

[0005] It has become common practice for pedelecs to use a pulse-based sensor, or pulse sensor for short, on the rear wheel to measure speed. This sensor delivers a pulse per wheel revolution, based on which, and using the wheel circumference, a speed can be calculated. The speed can then be calculated from the mathematical relationship between the time interval between two consecutive pulses and the tire circumference. This signal is used in the usual way, among other things, to regulate rider assistance above a certain speed, for example, 25 km / h, in order to meet legal requirements. To check the pedelec's functions, for example after a repair or similar, it may be necessary to temporarily adjust the speed of the pedelec - depending on or independently of the actual riding speed.For this purpose, it has become known to temporarily adapt the software for speed determination or to adapt the pedelec-independent unit for adjusting the heart rate sensor's input signals. It has also become known to use an electronic circuit between the heart rate sensor output and the pedelec drive unit, or even directly mounted on the heart rate sensor.

[0006] DE 10 2017 212903 A1 discloses a bicycle speed sensor with magnets fixed to the wheel and a magnetic field sensor mounted on the bicycle. The detected magnetic field sensor signals are compared with stored reference values, and deviations can be used to detect an error in the wheel's rotational movement.

[0007] US 2013 / 249535 A1 discloses an inductive rotary sensor for the motor of an elevator or conveyor belt. A testing device is provided, comprising a coil for creating a test field that is detected by the rotary sensor.

[0008] US 2010 / 060264 A1 discloses a testing device for an inductive rotary encoder with an additional coil for creating a test field.

[0009] DE 2013 225312 A1 discloses a rotation sensor for a motor vehicle. A test field is excited based on a test current that can simulate an encoder disk to test the rotation sensor. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method according to claim 1 for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a system according to claim 5 for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a bicycle according to claim 7.

[0013] In other words, embodiments of the invention enable an adaptation of a measured signal on the physical action path with regard to the speed specification independent of the actual driving speed of the bicycle, in particular of the pedelec.

[0014] One of the advantages achieved is that even when measuring continuous values ​​from a sensor—in contrast to the previously known reed sensor with a reed signal, which only has the values ​​0 and 1—a correspondingly measured signal can be influenced to determine the speed. Further features, advantages, and further embodiments of the invention are described below or will become apparent thereby.

[0015] According to the invention, the control device is permanently mounted on a stationary part of the bicycle. The advantage of this is that the control device is particularly easy to install and maintain.

[0016] According to the invention, the field generating device is arranged on a rotating component of the bicycle, with the speed of the bicycle being at least indirectly represented by the rotation of the component. The advantage of this is a reliable determination of the bicycle's speed.

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the field generating device provides a constant magnetic field through a field generating element in the form of a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet. The advantage of this is its simple provision and detection by means of a corresponding magnetic field sensor.

[0018] According to the invention, the magnetic field of the field-generating device is influenced by providing at least one further electric and / or magnetic field to at least partially suppress and / or modify and / or supplement the magnetic field detected by the detection device. The advantage of this is that, for example, an output magnetic field can be suppressed, weakened and / or supplemented by a counter-magnetic field. For example, the resulting field detected by a sensor can be modified such that rising or falling edges of the electric and / or magnetic output field are no longer correctly detected by the sensor, which leads, for example, to the sensor detecting only every second peak in the electric and / or magnetic output field, and consequently, the pedelec's derating speed is doubled.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, two additional fields are provided, one of the two fields being provided as a counter field to suppress the electric and / or magnetic field of the field generating device, and one of the two fields being provided as a substitute field to replace the electric and / or magnetic field of the field generating device. The advantage of this is increased flexibility, since a freely definable substitute field is detected by the sensor, allowing the speed control to be set flexibly.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, the at least one additional field is provided as an additional field, in addition to the magnetic field of the field generating device. The advantage of this is its ease of provision.

[0021] According to the invention, to influence the magnetic field detected by a detection device, it is first measured using a field measuring unit of the influencing device. One of the advantages achieved is precise compensation, suppression, or the like of the electric and / or magnetic output field by one or more additional fields.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0023] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0024] Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements. Short description of the drawings

[0025] It shows in schematic form Fig. 1 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows an influencing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0026] Figure 1 shows in schematic form steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In detail, Figure 1Steps of a method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0028] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing S1 a temporally and / or spatially varying magnetic field by a field generating device on the bicycle to determine the actual speed of the bicycle, detecting S2 the magnetic field continuously varying in at least one spatial direction at at least one predetermined position by means of a detection device on the bicycle, determining S3 the speed of the bicycle based at least on the detected field, and influencing S4 the magnetic field, which is detected by a detection device at at least one definable detection position on the bicycle, by means of an influencing device such that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined.

[0029] Figure 2 shows in schematic form a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In detail, Figure 2in schematic form a system 100 for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec.

[0031] The System 100 includes a field generating device 101, which is designed to provide a temporally and / or spatially varying magnetic field on the bicycle 1 for determining a speed of the bicycle 1, and an influencing device 104, which is designed to influence the magnetic field, which is detected by a detection device at at least one definable detection position on the bicycle 1, such that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle 1 is determined, and a detection device 102, which is designed to detect a varying, electrical and / or magnetic field at the at least one detection position on the bicycle 1, and a determination device 103, which is designed to determine the speed of the bicycle based at least on the detected field.

[0032] Figure 3shows in schematic form an influencing device 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In detail, Figure 3 in schematic form an influencing device for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec, in particular for fixing to the bicycle.

[0034] The influencing device 104 comprises a field generation unit 20, which is designed to provide a temporally and / or spatially varying electric and / or magnetic field at at least one detection position on the bicycle 1, which can be controlled such that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined, and a suppression unit 21 for at least partially suppressing and / or changing and / or supplementing an electric and / or magnetic field of a field generation device to be detected by a detection device by means of the field generation unit, and optionally a speed determination device 22, which is designed to determine the speed of the bicycle 1 based on the field generated by the field generation unit 20 and / or an electric and / or magnetic field of a field generation device, and a field measuring unit 23, which is designedto detect a temporally and / or spatially varying electric and / or magnetic field when the field generation unit is switched off.

[0035] Figure 4 shows in schematic form a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In detail, Figure 4a bicycle 1 with a rear wheel 2 and a front wheel 7. The rear wheel 2 can be driven via a chain 9 by means of a drive unit 3, which is arranged on the frame 6 of the bicycle 1 and can provide both motor assistance and includes a pedal unit with pedals 5 for manual drive. A field generating device 101 in the form of a permanent magnet is arranged in the rear wheel 2. Furthermore, a detection device 102 in the form of at least one sensor is arranged on the frame 6 in the area between the drive unit 3 and the rear wheel 2. The sensor can measure the magnetic field changing at the location of the sensor due to the rotation of the rear wheel 2 by the permanent magnet at least one-dimensionally, preferably two- or three-dimensionally. The bicycle 1 also comprises a determination device 103, which is designed to determine the speed of the bicycle.For this purpose, it is connected to the detection device 102 and determines the corresponding speed of the bicycle 1 from the signals of the detected magnetic field received by the detection device 102. By means of an influencing device 104, which is designed to influence the electrical and / or magnetic output field to be detected by the at least one sensor and which can be arranged, for example, above the detection device 102 and below a saddle 8 of the bicycle 1, the magnetic field to be detected by the detection device 102 can now be influenced, which is described below by explaining the interaction of the various units and devices of the bicycle 1.

[0037] The system 100, which in particular represents a speed emulator for the bicycle 1, can have different installation positions with regard to its individual components, field generating device 101, detection device 102, determination device 103 and influencing device 104, for example on the bicycle frame 6, on the dropout, on the drive unit 3, in particular under a cover so that the system 100 is at least partially not visible from the outside, between the drive unit 3 and the rear wheel 2 or the like.

[0038] The different installation positions result in particular in an adapted, predeterminable control for generating one or more magnetic fields in the magnetic field-generating elements, i.e., a field generation unit 20 of the influencing device 104, for example, with regard to amplitude and / or direction. However, the principle or function is essentially the same for the different installation positions: Field generation elements, here magnetic field-generating elements, such as one or more coils, one or more current-carrying conductors, one or more two-dimensionally acting coils, one or more three-dimensionally acting coils, one or more rotating magnets in the influencing device 104, an electric motor, etc., emulate and provide magnetic fields which are generated by one or more magnets co-rotating in the tire of the rear wheel 2 - in Figure 4Permanent magnet of the field generating device 101. Consequently, a continuous signal generation takes place in the physical path of action. The signal generated in this way must resemble that of a co-rotating magnet on at least one axis, for example, a one-dimensional coil. Particular attention should be paid to the edges of the rise and / or fall of the magnetic field strength or flux density and / or a peak value, i.e., the maximum amplitude of the field strength at the sensor of the drive unit 3. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the influencing device 104 preferably has its own speed measuring device, for example, its own reed sensor, its own GPS module, its own magnetic field sensor, inertial sensor technology, or the like, in order to calculate a reference for the self-generated speed setting to the actual speed of the bicycle.

[0039] The emulated or manipulated magnetic fields, provided by the influencing device 104 and the field generating device 101, are ultimately detected by the sensor in the detection device 102, which can be arranged, for example, in the drive unit 3, and converted there into an emulated driving speed by the determination device 103. In particular, a speed specification can thus be made independent of the actual driving speed of the bicycle 1. This may be necessary in the context of testing pedelec functions or the like.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention utilize, among others, the following principles: a) Suppressive principle: Here, the field generating device 101 is mounted on a wheel of the bicycle. Thus, for example, a magnet is located in the rear wheel. b) Generating principle: Here, the field generating device 101 is mounted on the bicycle itself. Thus, for example, no magnet is located in the rear or front wheel.

[0041] For example, a co-rotating magnet can be arranged in the rear wheel 2, for example on a spoke, on or in the rim, preferably on the air valve, on the magnetized brake disc, or the like. The system 100 is then configured, for example by appropriately controlling its own magnetic field-generating elements, to temporarily suppress, weaken, or modify the magnetic field of the magnet on the wheel with an opposing field, so that, for example, only every second magnetic field peak is detected by the detection device 103, or the magnetic field of the magnet is smoothed or distorted to such an extent that the peak or the rising / falling edges are no longer correctly detected in the detection device 103. This leads, for example, to a higher cut-off speed for the bicycle's motor assistance.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the system 100, in particular the influencing device 104, can also be configured to multiply the magnetic field of the magnet by additional supplementary magnetic fields. This leads, for example, to a lower cut-off speed for the bicycle's motor assistance.

[0043] In a further embodiment, system 100 can also be configured to suppress or reduce the magnetic field of the magnet with an opposing or interfering field and then replace it with its own, completely independent field. This leads, for example, to an arbitrarily adjustable throttle speed for the bicycle's motor assistance.

[0044] If the influencing device 104 - as in the present case - comprises a speed determination device 22 for determining the speed of the bicycle 1 based on the field generated by the field generation unit 20 and / or an electric and / or magnetic field of a field generation device, an embodiment of the invention which comprises a field measuring unit 23 and thus a measurement of the magnetic fields rotating in the wheel is advantageous, since in particular the actual magnetic fields can be more easily imitated or emulated and an existing speed determination device does not have to be modified, in particular no removal of the field generation device 101 in the wheel is necessary.

[0045] In detail, for example, the rotation of a permanent magnet in the wheel of bicycle 1 can generate a three-dimensional magnetic field, which is measured by a frame-mounted 3D sensor and results in typical magnetic field amplitudes along its measurement axes. To achieve the most precise suppression of the magnetic field emanating from the rotating magnet, several coils can be combined and controlled accordingly to generate a 2D or 3D magnetic field.

[0046] In the above-mentioned generating principle, no co-rotating field generating device 101 is arranged in the rear wheel, or rather, this must be removed from the rear wheel before operation. The system 100, in particular the influencing device 104, is now designed, for example by appropriately controlling its own magnetic field-generating elements, to replace the magnetic field of the magnet on the wheel with its own, completely independent field. This leads, for example, to an arbitrarily adjustable cut-off speed for the bicycle's motor assistance. Here, it can be advantageous that no dependencies, in particular no temporal or amplitude dependencies, on a co-rotating field generating device 101 in the wheel occur during the control.If the system 100—as in the present case—comprises a speed determination device 22 for determining the speed of the bicycle based on an alternative method for determining the speed, such an embodiment of the invention does not require a device for measuring a magnetic field. Such an embodiment can therefore, for example, provide speed determination using GPS, the reed sensor measuring principle, and / or inertial sensor technology.

[0047] For both of the above-mentioned principle variants, suitable rising and falling edges as well as peak values ​​of the magnetic field can be specified in at least one spatial direction. This can be done by the manufacturer or by training at the dealer or end customer. If the latter is the case and, for example, a magnet is permanently installed in the tire, this can be triggered "on the ride," cyclically, on demand, or by a predefined event, or even once at the beginning or repeatedly through recalibration.

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention according to the principle b), no field generating device 101 is arranged in a wheel later, i.e., after delivery or during initial operation by the end customer. Therefore, the system 100 must first be taught. Once the system 100 has, for example, taught the flanks and peak values ​​after a few wheel revolutions, the magnet can be removed.

[0049] However, it is also possible to perform this manually by the user, for example, via an app via Bluetooth. Calibration of the system 100 can then be performed iteratively, for example, by trial and error. Standard profiles for standard installation positions can be preprogrammed and adjusted.

[0050] Overall, one or more devices and / or units of the system 100 may have their own power supply or be connected jointly and / or individually to a power supply of the bicycle 1.

[0051] In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention can provide at least one of the following advantages and / or at least one of the following features: Provision of a speed emulator, which is permanently installed on the frame, preferably between a magnetic field sensor in the drive unit and the rear wheel. Temporary magnetic field-generating elements, e.g., coils. A dedicated power supply for the units and / or devices or a power supply provided by the bicycle for the units and / or devices. Preferably, a dedicated speed measuring device for the control device. Speed ​​setting for a bicycle, which is independent of the actual riding speed, in the form of emulated, continuously and temporarily emitted magnetic fields. High flexibility. Easier testing of the bicycle's functions. Adaptation of the signal on the physical action path with regard to the speed setting, independent of the actual riding speed of the bicycle.Influencing a measured signal to determine the speed even when measuring continuous values ​​from a sensor - in contrast to the previously known reed sensor with reed signal, which only has the values ​​0 and 1.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

1. Method for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle (1) having at least two wheels (2, 7), in particular a pedelec, comprising the steps of: - providing (S1) a magnetic field that varies in time and / or space by way of a field generation device (101) on the bicycle (1) for the purpose of determining a speed of the bicycle (1), the field generation device (101) being arranged on a rotating component of the bicycle (1), the actual speed of the bicycle (1) being at least indirectly represented by the rotation of the component, wherein the magnetic field is detected by a detection device (102) at at least one detection position on the bicycle, a determination device (103) being designed to determine the speed of the bicycle based on at least the detected field, characterized in that the method comprises the further steps of: - influencing (S4) the magnetic field by means of an influencing device (104) in such a way that a speed that differs from the actual speed of the bicycle (1) is determined, the influencing device (104) being arranged in a fixed manner on an immobile part of the bicycle (1), wherein the magnetic field of the field generation device (101) is influenced by providing at least one further electrical and / or magnetic field for at least partially suppressing and / or modifying and / or supplementing or replacing the magnetic field detected by the detection device (102), the magnetic field being influenced by first measuring it by means of a field measurement unit (23) of the influencing device (104).

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the field generation device (101) provides a constant magnetic field by way of a field generation element in the form of a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet.

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, wherein two further fields are provided, one of the two fields being provided as an opposing field for suppressing the magnetic field of the field generation device (101) and one of the two fields being provided as a substitute field for replacing the magnetic field of the field generation device (101).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one further field is provided as an additional field, in addition to the magnetic field of the field generation device (101).

5. System (100) for influencing a determination of a speed of a bicycle (1) having at least two wheels (2, 7), in particular a pedelec, comprising a field generation device (101) designed to provide a magnetic field that varies in time and / or space on the bicycle (1) for the purpose of determining the actual speed of the bicycle (1), and - a detection device (102) for detecting the magnetic field at at least one detection position on the bicycle (1), and - a determination device (103) for determining the speed of the bicycle (1) based on at least the detected magnetic field, characterized in that the system further comprises an influencing device (104) designed to influence (S4) the magnetic field detected by a detection device at at least one detection position on the bicycle (1) in such a way that a speed that differs from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined, the influencing device (104) being designed to be fixed on an immobile part of the bicycle (1), comprising a field generation unit (20) designed to provide an electrical and / or magnetic field that varies in time and / or space at at least one detection position on the bicycle (1), said field generation unit being able to be controlled in such a way that a speed that differs from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined, a suppression unit (21) designed to at least partially suppress and / or modify and / or supplement or replace a magnetic field of a field generation device (101) that can be detected by a detection device (102) by means of the field generation unit (20), and a field measurement unit (23) designed to detect a magnetic field that varies in time and / or space when the field generation unit (20) is switched off.

6. System (100) according to Claim 5, wherein the influencing device (104) comprises a speed determination device (22) designed to determine the speed of the bicycle (1) based on the generated field of the field generation unit (20) and / or a magnetic field of a field generation device (101).

7. Bicycle (1) having a system (100) according to either of Claims 5-6.

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